Jamal Murray highlights Russell Westbrook's uplifting influence on the Nuggets

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has nothing but praise for Russell Westbrook. The pair will play for the same team for the first time this season. Westbrook, who left the LA Clippers as a free agent over the summer, will team up with Murray and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Westbrook brings a veteran presence and energy to the Nuggets, who are eyeing another shot at winning the title. He also gets a chance to be a mentor to Murray. In an interview with the media during practice on Wednesday, the Canadian guard talked about the uplifting presence that the nine-time All-Star has brought to the team.

"I grew up watching him. Well, we all did, really," Murray said. "It's cool to see him up close and personal, know where you were when you watched him, compared to being with Jokic, who's gonna go down as a Hall of Famer, growing up with him and playing with him... we just have our own feel. We look at each other like that, he does what he does, I do what I do.

"To look at Russ is like, 'Oh, d**n. That's Russ.' Every time he's in the gym he kind of lifts not just me but everybody's spirit and awareness. Just by him being there, just by his presence. That's one think I appreciate about having him on the floor."

Murray is coming off one of the best seasons he's had in his career. He averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists last season. The 2023-24 NBA season was the second season the point guard played in since missing the 2021-22 campaign due to an ACL injury.

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Westbrook wants to push Jamal Murray this season

Jamal Murray found himself a new mentor in Westbrook. During the Nuggets' media day availability in September, the triple-double star talked about his intentions behind joining the team. According to the 2017 MVP, he wants to push Murray and help the team reach its goal.

"My job is to be able to push Jamal to be the best he can be," Westbrook said. "Play the highest level he can, he's an unbelievable player. He has so much room to get better in a lot of areas and I'm grateful to be able to be here. To be able to help him along the journey."

Last season, Westbrook spent most of the year as the Clippers' sixth man, which will be his role within Denver this season. He put up 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists.

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